Application of open source FEM and DEM simulations for dynamic belt deflection modelling

Belt deflection due to the belt weight and bulk solid loads is essential not only for reducing the flexure resistance but also for extending the service life of belt conveyors. Current theoretical analysis and numerical modelling have failed to fully consider the interaction between a belt and bulk solid and therefore are not suitable to investigate belt deflection under dynamic conditions. The aim of this study was to develop a numerical model for predicting dynamic belt deflection by coupling the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM). The open source software Code_Aster (FEM) and LIGGGHTS (DEM) were used for the coupling through an interface programmed in Python. Simulation results in terms of the longitudinal and transverse belt deflection were discussed and compared to the results obtained from the experimental measurements. Influences on the dynamic belt deflection were analysed by varying the operating conditions including the belt speed and tension. Furthermore, the belt pressure distribution attributed to the bulk solids was investigated based on the developed coupled model. Good agreements between the modelling and experiments were observed, indicating the validation of the coupled FEM and DEM model.